Selichot

What is Selichot?

In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, we follow the Ashkenazic tradition of having a special service on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah in which selichot (prayers asking for forgiveness) are recited. Upcoming dates are as follows:

Jewish Year 5779: September 1, 2018

Jewish Year 5780: September 21, 2019

How Does Fabrangen Celebrate Selichot?

For multiple years, Fabrangen and Tikkun Leil Shabbat (a project of Jews United for Justice) have joined to provide a full evening for Selichot. At approximately 9:15 PM on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, we gather to begin our joint celebration. We begin with multiple workshops on topics that are intellectual and/or experiential. For example, we have had hevruta (partnered) learning and then expressive art projects using clay, pipe cleaners, and other materials. We have had learning on a variety of topics, including our relationship to God, the meaning of teshuvah (forgiveness), chanting/music of the High Holidays, etc.

The Selichot gathering provides a space for a fresh approach to the High Holidays.

As Rabbi Shefa Gold says,

“With this practice, I acknowledge and celebrate the miracle of transformation. Each time I have experienced devastation, it feels as if even the possibility of Redemption is a cruel illusion. And then I find myself in Eden, surrounded by beauty, held in God’s loving embrace.”

Join Us!

The following melodies (not the words) are featured in the 2018 Selichot services, led by Ethan Merlin of Tikkun Leil Shabbat.